Wiring the fixed voltage plug on O22 Switches

[jlrocks]

I have recently started to do O guage lionel modeling after an absence of some 50 years. I am no electrician and need help wiring some O22 remote switches. I am running a new CAB 1 with a new SC-2 switch and accessory controller. It says in the instructions not to power the switches from track power. I have an old 150 watt Trainmaster transformer with 4 adjustable controls. I am also using a new Powermaster to power my small layout. How do I wire the switches using the fixed voltage plug on the switches and what posts do I hookup on the transformer? Thanks for any input for a New-B.

[ben10ben]

The first thing you need to do is phase your old transformer to your current one.

Connect the U post from the transformer to the outer rail of your track. Turn the throttle on both your old transformer and the powermaster to about halfway. Then take a wire from whatever your selected throttle post on the old transformer and touch it to your center rail. If you see a big spark, reverse the plug on the old transformer. If you see a small spark, or no spark at all, the transformers are in phase. Mark the plugs of the transformers with a drop of paint or something.

You need to keep one of the old transformer's U posts connected to the outer rail. Then, put fixed voltage plugs in all of your switches, and run wires to one of the throttles on the transformer. Play with the throttle setting until the switches work well without the bulbs being too bright.

You should be all set at this point.

[jlrocks]

Thanks, Ben for your reply. I am really a novice here and will try your suggestion.

[Chris F]

How many transformers are you using? Sounds like the old one is a Type V or Type VW. The nameplate would indicate which.

If you have two transformers, what is the other one?

[jlrocks]

Thanks Chris--the old trasformer is a Type V. I am also using the powermaster to run the TMCC and the CAB 1 but using the Lionel tin plate track with the O-22 switches.

[Chris F]

The venerable Type V was offered from 1938-42 and again from 1946-47. It has four hot terminals (A, B, C, & D) and four common terminals (all marked U and interconnected inside the transformer case). Service/parts information on your transformer is available here:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=668

With only one transformer, phasing isn't an issue.

I'm guessing you have the PowerMaster hooked up to Terminals A and U with the special cable used for older transformers, and have the A knob adjusted to 16-18V. The other side of the PowerMaster is connected to your track. You then use the CAB-1 to control how much of that 16-18V will be allowed to go to the track.

In order to run the SC-2, you need to have a Command Base connected to one of the common (outside) rails. The other side of the Command Base is connected to a 120VAC outlet. Unless you have a TMCC-equipped locomotive, that's all you're using the Command Base for.

Chose a different hot terminal on your V transformer. Using B as an example, connect a wire from the fixed voltage plug to terminal B. Using knob B, turn up the voltage until the switch activates positively. NOTE: The switch and remote controller use 18V bulbs; adjusting the voltage higher than that will decrease bulb life and may melt the plastic cover. You only need to connect the hot wire since the switch itself provides the common (U) connection through the outside rails.

You can connect more fixed voltage plugs to terminal B, leaving terminals C and D available for other needs. Use a terminal strip if there are a lot of wires. Also, unless you really want them, leave the remote controllers disconnected. Each of the two bulbs in a controller consumes 3-5 watts that could be used elsewhere. The eventual alternative is another transformer. FWIW, I've got a V, Z, KW, and ZW for accessories, and a modern ZW for the trains. See what I mean about "eventual alternative"?!

[jlrocks]

Thanks Chris--you have been very helpful.